Thank you for being here, minister.

In spring of this year, the Oromocto Food Bank said the increase in demand they were seeing was due in part to Canadian Armed Forces members, as it is located minutes from CFB Gagetown, and that the number of military members accessing the food bank had doubled. A spokesperson from your department mentioned in a media article that the forces are taking a number of measures to support members nationwide, including inflationary increases to salaries, borrowing and savings programs and on-base housing.

Can you tell me how many Canadian Armed Forces members at Base Gagetown, and also nationwide, are forced to rely on food banks as of today? Do you keep statistics, and can you please give me a number?

No, ma’am. After I read those same media reports, I spoke to the people at Gagetown and asked why and how this is possible. There were a number of other media reports around the same time reporting that members of the Canadian Armed Forces were struggling financially, so we followed up on that. I don’t have a precise number. There could be many circumstances that would compel any Canadian to rely on a food bank.

It is one of the things I looked into very seriously, because we have a responsibility to make sure that those members are adequately housed, adequately supported and able to serve. We must look at all the ways we can make it easier for them to serve.

I have been assured that they are all well employed. Just last year, we secured a new contract with them. We gave them a 12% pay raise in order to deal with some of the pressures that people are experiencing. All Canadians have been experiencing pressures with respect to affordability. I know everyone in this house is well aware of that. I am, of course, concerned with the impact it has on military members.

I’ve actually visited almost every base in the country now. I always have town halls with the members. I talk to them about their lived experiences and what more we can do with them. I have not heard directly from them; I’ve read the media reports around issues of food bank usage. They concern me. We must do what is necessary to support the men and women who have made the remarkable choice to serve their countries in the Armed Forces.

Thank you, minister.

In March of this year, it was announced that the federal government would be investing $55.6 million in various upgrades to CFB Gagetown, including $19.7 million to create a solar farm which would then provide two thirds of the energy required at the base. The work was to begin in April and is estimated to be completed in 2026. Can you let us know how far along in the process we are?

Your Honour, I apologize. I don’t know whether you were alerted, but I’m afraid I have to vote at the moment, and I apologize for not paying as much attention to your question.

Thank you, Your Honour. I may be called upon in another 10 minutes to vote again.

Thank you, minister. In March of this year, it was announced that the federal government would be investing $55.6 million in various upgrades to CFB Gagetown, including $19.7 million to create a solar farm that would then provide two thirds of the energy required at the base. The work was to begin in April and estimated to be completed in 2026. Can you let us know how far along in the process we are?

Thank you very much for the question. It’s an important one. Unfortunately, I don’t have an update on the current status of that construction, but I acknowledge that it’s important. If there have been any delays, I’d be happy to address them.

I also have some pretty good news about Gagetown: We’re also initiating an investment in housing in that area. I know of your interest in the people that serve there. I share that interest. We will make some investments in housing, child care and other supports for that community.

The investments we’re making in doing a better job of managing our energy consumption at bases across the country are progressing very well. I’ll get you an answer regarding the specific program you mentioned. If you don’t mind, I’ll have my people get back to you later today to provide that update.